Letter: Don't blindly support Israel

Why do so many Americans think we need to support Israel no matter what they do? Israel keeps saying they have the right of self-defense and they will continue bombing Gaza until Hamas stops firing rockets into Israel, and most Americans think this is justified. We Americans should stop to consider what we would do if another country blockaded our ports. Would we not fire rockets at them?

Think of what would happen to our economy if another country blockaded all our ports and borders, and every time Americans wanted to leave or enter our own country we had to get permission from that country's army. It would be a serious blow to our economy. A blockade cannot be sustained without the use of massive military force, including deadly force. That is why under both international law and U.S. law a blockade is considered an act of war.

Israel is maintaining a total blockade of Gaza. Recently when humanitarian aid workers visited Gaza they spoke with schoolchildren and were surprised when numerous children told them that what they wanted most was clean water to drink. Israel restricts the flow of water into Gaza, and their bombing raids have destroyed water and sanitation systems. Then Israel refuses to allow shipments of aid into Gaza, while refusing to allow people to leave Gaza.

Why does America continue to give Israel $3 billion a year, and then sell military weapons to Israel? If I was Palestinian I would probably hate Americans.